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relate-pressure-with-molecular-motion

๐Ÿš€ The behavior of perfect gases can be understood through the kinetic theory of gases, which provides a molecular-level explanation of gas properties. According to this theory, gases consist of a large number of small particles (molecules) that are in constant random motion. The pressure exerted by a gas is a result of collisions between these molecules and the walls of the container. The kinetic theory makes several assumptions about the nature of gas molecules, which help in relating pressure to molecular motion.

Theory Explanation

Assumptions of Kinetic Theory

1. Gases consist of a large number of molecules that are in constant random motion. 2. The volume of the individual gas molecules is negligible compared to the volume of the gas itself. 3. There are no intermolecular forces acting between the molecules except during collisions. 4. Collisions between gas molecules and between molecules and the walls of the container are perfectly elastic, meaning that there is no loss of kinetic energy. 5. The average kinetic energy of the gas molecules is directly proportional to the absolute temperature of the gas.

Relating Pressure to Molecular Motion

Pressure is defined as the force exerted per unit area. In the context of gases, it can be expressed as the result of molecular collisions with the walls of the container. The more frequent and forceful these collisions, the higher the pressure. The relationship can be expressed mathematically as: P = (1/3) * (N/V) * (mv^2), where P is pressure, N is the number of molecules, V is the volume, m is the mass of a molecule, and v is the average speed of the molecules.

\[ P = \frac{1}{3} \cdot \frac{N}{V} \cdot mv^2 \]

Key Points

  • ๐ŸŽฏ Gases are made up of molecules in constant motion.
  • ๐ŸŽฏ Pressure is caused by molecular collisions with container walls.
  • ๐ŸŽฏ The average kinetic energy of gas molecules is proportional to temperature.

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Examples:💡

Calculate the pressure exerted by 1 mole of an ideal gas at 273 K in a volume of 22.4 L.

Solution:

Step 1: Use the ideal gas law: PV = nRT, where n = 1 mole, R = 0.0821 Lยทatm/(Kยทmol), T = 273 K.

\[ P \cdot 22.4 = 1 \cdot 0.0821 \cdot 273 \]

Step 2: Rearranging gives P = (1 * 0.0821 * 273) / 22.4.

\[ P = \frac{1 \cdot 0.0821 \cdot 273}{22.4} \]

Step 3: Calculating gives P = 1 atm.

Common Mistakes

  • Mistake: Confusing the volume of gas molecules with the volume of the gas itself.

    Correction: Remember that the volume of individual molecules is negligible compared to the volume of the gas.

  • Mistake: Forgetting that pressure is related to the frequency of collisions.

    Correction: Always relate pressure to the number of collisions per unit area and the force of those collisions.